When it comes to cataract surgery, our options have come a long way. Advancements in technology and medical innovation have made this surgical procedure as quick and painless as possible. Many ophthalmologists are even able to use state-of-the-art lasers to emulsify the damaged lens, leaving it in pieces that are so small the cataract surgeon can aspirate them through a tiny, needle-thin incision in your cornea. The ophthalmologist then places an artificial lens, called an intraocular lens, in place of your natural lens.
In addition to these remarkable surgical advancements, researchers and ophthalmologists have also been hard at work creating new intraocular lenses that are capable of correcting both cataracts and other vision problems. Before these advancements, patients who went in for cataract surgery received a regular monofocal lens implant. This standard lens allowed them to see one distance. Their cataracts were gone, but any other vision issues they had still remained.
Now, the wider availability of new premium lenses has made it possible for ophthalmologists to correct cataracts, as well as other vision problems like astigmatism and poor near and distance vision. Today we’re going to explore the various types of premium lenses that are available today and how they can improve your overall vision.
What Type of Premium Lenses are Available?
Wouldn’t it be great to be able to walk into a cataract surgeon’s office in Las Vegas and walk out without cataracts or the need for glasses? Premium lenses make this a reality.
There are several types of premium lenses available today, split into two main categories- multifocal and toric.
Multifocal Lenses
Multifocal lenses are any intraocular lens that allows the user to see at both near and distance vision. They’re most analogous to bifocal glasses, which have been the most common solution used to correct a condition known as presbyopia for the last 60+ years. As we age, presbyopia causes our natural lenses to gradually harden. This means they’re not as flexible anymore, making it more difficult for our eyes to focus on objects that are closer to us. This leads to blurry vision, and difficulty seeing objects at a normal reading distance.
Multifocal lenses can correct both cataracts and presbyopia. These unique lenses are divided into ‘steps’, which bend light differently, allowing for improved vision at both near and far distances.
Trifocal Lenses
Trifocal lenses are a type of multifocal lenses that contain three steps, allowing for excellent vision at both near, intermediate, and far distances. These are quite new to the market, but have already received rave reviews from patients. In fact, Dr. Abrams was the first ophthalmologist to perform trifocal surgery in Nevada, a feat that was celebrated with a feature story in the local news.
Since these trifocal lenses cover all distances, patients who undergo trifocal surgery may find that they can eliminate their need for glasses entirely.
Toric Lenses
Another type of intraocular lenses that offer an additional benefit are toric lenses, which are used to correct astigmatism. It’s not the only method of correcting astigmatism, but if you also have cataracts and are going in for cataract surgery, it may be a good way to get both conditions treated at once.
There are also combination multifocal-toric intraocular lenses that are available in the United States, which can treat presbyopia, cataracts, and astigmatism. These options give a great range of choices to patients, who are now able to work with their ophthalmologist to fix multiple vision problems with one quick outpatient surgery.
Why Choose Premium Lenses for your Cataract Surgery?
In the past, the monofocal intraocular lens was the standard replacement for a natural lens affected by cataracts. It fixed the primary issue but left other vision problems behind. Now, the innovation of these multifocal, trifocal, and toric premium lenses means that your vision can improve at multiple focal points and distances, potentially eliminating your need for glasses. Here are some other useful benefits.
Allows for a Glasses-Free Lifestyle
Premium lenses are an excellent option for people with active lifestyles or who travel often and don’t want to keep up with glasses or contacts. These vision tools are useful, but require you to have the glasses or contacts at all times, as well as other accessories like your glasses case or contact solution with you whenever you leave the house.
After their cataract surgery, many people who chose multifocal or trifocal lenses reported that their vision improved, and they no longer require glasses or contacts. They’re excited by the fact that they can travel, exercise, and go about their lives without being hampered by glasses or contacts.
Save on Long-Term Eyewear Costs
In addition to being able to live without needing to take care of glasses or contacts, choosing premium lenses for your cataract surgery is also a great way to save money long-term. You won’t need to wear glasses when you drive or exercise, so you won’t have to spend money on expensive frames, contacts, or prescription sunglasses.
Many health insurance policies, as well as Medicare, cover the cost of traditional cataract surgery, as long as an ophthalmologist performs it. This means that depending on your healthcare provider, you may be able to walk away from glasses or contacts long-term without paying for the surgery yourself.
Finding the Right Clinic for your Cataract Surgery in Nevada
Opting for premium lenses during cataract surgery is a great way to improve your overall vision long-term. This decision should always be made in conjunction with a qualified ophthalmologist who can answer all your questions before scheduling the procedure.
Finding a clinic where you feel comfortable is extremely important. You should be confident that the ophthalmologist doing your regular cataract surgery or trifocal surgery in Las Vegas is not only qualified but dedicated to ensuring your comfort and safety during the procedure.
At Abrams Eye Institute, Dr. Jack Abrams and his team are passionate about using the latest technology so that patients can have access to this innovative eye care as soon as possible. Whether your issue is cataracts, astigmatism, or presbyopia, they’ll be able to help you get the fastest and easiest solution possible so that you can get back to your everyday life. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at one of our locations in Las Vegas, Henderson, or Pahrump, Nevada.
